Thenarse said each day his life was at risk because of local gangs and drug activity that took place right in front of his own eyes. With that kind of danger in front of him, Thenarse said it was hard to keep focus on school work and football because his main focus revolved around staying alive.

Now Thenarse finds himself thousands of miles away from the danger in Watts and for the first time in his life he feels comfortable.

"This is a big change for me," Thenarse said. "It's different, I mean it's peaceful. You can wake up in morning with no problems and go wherever you want without having to worry. I feel free man."

The high point for Thenarse this season he said was running out on the field at the Los Angeles Coliseum in front of his friends and family to show them a kid from South Central can get out and make it.

Thenarse currently plays a key role on Nebraska's kickoff and punt coverage teams and he also is listed as the No. 2 cornerback on the depth chart.